Document Type

Capstone Experience

Graduation Date

8-2023

Degree Name

Master of Public Health

Department

Health Promotion

First Committee Member

Dr Raikes, Hilary Abbie PhD

Second Committee Member

Dr Tibbits, Melissa PhD

Third Committee Member

Dr Maloney, Shannon PhD

Fourth Committee Member

Dr Strong, Michelle Shelley PhD, MPH

Abstract

Congenital heart diseases (CHD) are conditions that are present at birth and can affect the structure of an infant’s heart and the way it works. Millions of children are born each year with congenital heart disease yet screening for CHD is not practiced in Low- and Middle-income countries (LMICs). Studies on access to healthcare for infants with congenital heart disease have not kept pace. This literature review centers on the role of congenital heart disease in infant mortality, its burden, incidence and prevalence in LMICs. The databases of PubMed, Google Scholar and Embase were searched and the selected articles for review were from 2011 to 2023 and had infant mortality, CHD and LMICs as key words. CHD is more prevalent in countries with low resources, income and economic instability. Policy makers should advocate for and implement policies such as prenatal screening and newborn pre-discharge screening. Collaborations and partnerships between non-governmental organizations, pediatricians, parents and caregivers of infants with CHD will strengthen health care systems in LMICs.

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